How to Flat-Tow a 2012 - 2014 Honda CR-V with All Four Wheels Down
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Question:
Need parts to flat tow my Honda CRV
asked by: JimBob
Expert Reply:
In order to flat-tow a 2012 - 2014 Honda CR-V with all four wheels on the ground behind a motorhome you are going to need a tow bar, base plate kit, safety cables, tail light wiring harness, supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. There may also be a few other smaller components that are needed depending on the options the vehicle is equipped with.
For a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676. The Nighthawk is one of the best tow bars we offer. It has a non-binding and self-aligning design which makes for an extremely easy hookup. It also comes with safety cables and a wiring extension. This towbar is then compatible with the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit part # RM-521567-5. The EZ5 Base Plate Kit is a custom fit for your CR-V and will provide you with removable arms which makes for a clean look while not in tow.
Then for a tail light wiring harness I recommend the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56300. This kit plugs into a pre wired connector on your CR-V which minimizes splicing. In order to then make the harness compatible with the wiring extension on the Nighthawk tow bar you will need to cut off the 4-way and wire the 6-way connector which comes with the tow bar.
For a supplemental braking system, I recommend the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System part # SM99251. I like this system because it is a one time setup and everything will be hidden once installed. In order for this system to operate properly in your vehicle you will also need to use the Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400.
If you plan on towing the vehicle for extended periods of time, then in order to prevent a dead battery on the toad, I also recommend using the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25 as this will prevent that from happening. Another possible item you may want to consider is the Roadmaster Tow Bar Cover part # RM-055-3 as this will protect your Nighthawk while not in use.
If the owner's manual for your vehicle states to pull the #19 ACC fuse then I recommend using the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass part # RM76511 but if the owner's manual states to pull both the #19 ACC fuse and the #20 ACC key lock fuse then I recommend using the Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicle part # RM76512. The FuseMaster will allow you to disengage and engage the fuse(s) without having to enter/exit the vehicle which makes them very convenient.
Finally, you may or may not need to use a high-low adapter. In order to determine if there is a need to use one measure from the ground to the center of the base plate kit on the vehicle and compare that distance to the measurement from the ground to the top of the inside edge of your trailer hitch on the motorhome. If this distance is not within 3" of one another then you want to use a high-low adapter which I have attached a list of for you in addition to several other review videos on the above products.
Mike D.
2/3/2025
This article says that I need the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56300 but the link says that this part will not work with a 2014 CRV. What is the best alternate? I hope you have one that doesn't require a lot of splicing. I have a 7 way connector on my rig. I see a reference to RM15267. If that is indeed the alternate and I buy the Nighthawk tow bar I don't think I need the coiled cable that comes with the RM15267. Do you sell the RM15267 without the coiled cable?
Kate F.
2/3/2025
Kate F.
2/6/2025
Mike D.
2/4/2025
I installed my baseplate yesterday. I think the list of what I need to complete the job is: RM-676 NIghthawk Tow bar SM-99251 Demco Braking System RM-152 Diode Wiring Kit RM-88400 Brake Light Relay RM-76511 (my manual says I need to pull only one fuse) RM-156-25 Battery Charger I will need to understand how the Braking system and Brake Light Relay should be wired as they both seem to converge on the brake light switch. What kind of sealant do you recommend for the rear of the 6 pin connector mounted on my baseplate? Do I have everything? Is there anything else I should know?
Jesse M.
2/4/2025
Mike
3/8/2025
RE: 2014 CRV install: The video for the Demco supplemental brake system (SM99251) shows the red wire for the LED light that will be on the the back side of my towed vehicle rear view mirror being attached via a splice connector to the cold side of the brake switch. I am also installing the Brake Light relay kit (RM-88400) which attaches to the same wire and requires the wire be cut. My question: Which side of the wire cut is the splice connector supposed to be attached, the brake switch side or the other side of the relay? or is it supposed to be added to the larger yellow butt connector instead of the splice connector?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount
- Telescoping - Non-Binding
- Aluminum
- 8000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Cables Included
- Roadmaster
more information >
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Betty
2/23/2024
Regarding flat towing a 2014 Honda CRV, can both the 2 wheel drive & the AWD models be flat towed?